Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center Announces Grand Opening of Captain Larry L. Taylor Exhibit on March 29

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center (MOHHC) announced there will be a grand opening of the Captain Larry L. Taylor Exhibit at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025. This highly anticipated exhibit honors the late Captain Larry Taylor, a Chattanooga native and Vietnam War hero, who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2023 for his extraordinary heroism in a daring helicopter rescue mission during the Battle of Khe Sanh.

The new exhibit will showcase Captain Taylor's story of courage and sacrifice, featuring immersive displays, historical artifacts and a full-sized replica of the late Captain Taylor's AH-1G Cobra helicopter along with life-sized sculptures of the heroic men involved in this Medal of Honor action by renowned artist Alex Tisch of Kodiak Studios in Brooklyn, NY.

Honoring a Legacy of Bravery
On June 18, 1968, then First Lieutenant Larry Taylor, a Cobra helicopter pilot, executed a high-risk rescue under heavy enemy fire to save a four-man Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) team. With no evacuation helicopter available and the soldiers trapped, Taylor made the bold decision to land his AH-1G Cobra—an aircraft not designed for extractions—allowing the stranded men to cling to the helicopter's skids as he flew them to safety. His heroism, initially recognized with a Silver Star, was upgraded to the Medal of Honor, which he received at the White House on September 5, 2023.

"Chattanooga is the birthplace of the Medal of Honor. The first Medals of Honor were awarded for action in and around Chattanooga nearly 162 years ago, and Captain Larry Taylor is the latest of several American heroes from our area who has received the Medal of Honor," said David Currey, Executive Director of the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. "Captain Taylor's actions exemplify the courage, commitment and selflessness that define the Medal of Honor."

Currey continued, "Like other exhibits inside the Heritage Center, we designed the Captain Taylor exhibit to serve as a lasting tribute to his courage and bravery on June 18, 1968—helping to ensure that future generations understand the legacy of our nation's heroes."

The Heritage Center also wanted to thank everyone who helped make this exhibit possible, including the generous support of the City of Chattanooga, Hamilton County Government and Toni Taylor, the widow of Captain Taylor.

"Captain Larry Taylor's extraordinary heroism is a testament to the bravery and selflessness that define Chattanooga's finest," said City of Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. "We are honored to play a role in supporting this incredible exhibit that preserves Captain Taylor's legacy and shares his story that will help inspire the leaders of tomorrow for years to come."

"Captain Larry Taylor is an icon in the history of Hamilton County and our nation," said Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp. "For years to come, this exhibit honoring Captain Taylor will inspire young people in our community to serve their community and their country. Hamilton County is proud to help make this unique tribute a reality, honoring his legacy and educating future generations on true heroism."

The Heritage Center has planned several activities to coincide with the grand opening of the Captain Taylor exhibit on Saturday, March 29. For members of the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, there is a special preview event at 8 a.m. that will be followed by a special "Bricks of Honor" dedication at 11 a.m. in the Aquarium Plaza.

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Captain Larry L. Taylor Exhibit will be held at 1 p.m. inside the Heritage Center. The general public can attend but must purchase a ticket as space will be limited during this event. To learn more, please visit www.mohhc.org/events/larry-taylor or call (423) 877-2525.

About the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center

The Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center is situated in the heart of the Birthplace of the Medal of Honor—Chattanooga, Tennessee. The 19,500 square-foot facility is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Medal of Honor and sharing the incredible stories of Medal of Honor recipients through immersive exhibits and educational programming. Through this mission, the Heritage Center strives to educate future generations about the six character traits embodied by the Medal of Honor and its recipients–Patriotism, Citizenship, Courage, Integrity, Sacrifice and Commitment—and inspire the leaders of tomorrow to embody these traits in their daily actions to make a difference in their community and world. Learn more at www.MOHHC.org.

SOURCE Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center